Miller went home empty-handed while Hedrick collected one each of gold, silver and bronze medals - but missed out on his goal of five golds.

US officials said they were pleased with their team's performance, and expressed regret for pre-Olympics projections that the Americans would match or exceed the record 34 medals won at Salt Lake City in 2002.

"This has been an incredible performance," US Olympic Committee chief Jim Scherr said. "It's probably our fault that it's been viewed a little less than that."

Canada - which hosts the 2010 Games - had its best ever Winter Olympics with 24 medals, including seven golds.

And the Canadians boasted the most successful athlete in terms of number of medals won - speed-skater Cindy Klassen won a gold, two silvers and two bronze medals.

Austria, Sweden, China and South Korea also had their best ever performances.